JOHN Carew has finally snubbed Albion - after making a late-night decision to join Stoke on loan until the end of the season.

The Villa striker brought to an end to the long-winded saga which began more than two weeks ago and was finally concluded through a phone call at 10pm last night, where he told Baggies officials of his decision.

Albion were close to signing him earlier this month only for Emile Heskey to receive a three-game ban after being sent-off against Sunderland.

The Baggies resumed talks with Villa on Wednesday before Stoke lodged their interest.

Carew spent yesterday morning at Stoke before travelling back down to Albion’s Walsall-based training ground in the afternoon.

He spoke to manager Roberto Di Matteo and club officials, was given a tour of the training ground and passed a medical with Albion.

The 31-year-old weighed up his options before delivering his verdict late last night.

Albion and Stoke had offered very similar terms - loan deals, with both clubs willing to take on his wages.

But he opted for Stoke, mainly due to their position in the table and their status as a more established top flight club.

It was also Villa's preferred option that he should move to the Potteries, although they accepted both offers.

Today’s news will, at least, give closure to Albion and allow them to begin them to resume their search for a new striker.

In the meantime, preparations continue for Sunday’s trip to Blackburn.

Carew’s snub means Peter Odemwingie is likely to lead the line for the game at Ewood Park and, perhaps, for the time being.

His fragility this season has caused some concern.

And Roberto Di Matteo admits that the Nigerian will need to be nursed through the remainder of the season having suffered a series of niggles in recent weeks.

“He has played in the World Cup as well and he is used to having a break over Christmas and New Year time,” said Di Matteo, who expects to have Jonas Olsson back for the trip to Lancashire.

“We have been nursing him from the start, not just now.

“We have known about that all along. We check on our players on a daily basis, even when they’re not in. They are well controlled.”

Odemwingie returned to form with two goals against Blackpool last weekend, which pleased Di Matteo.

“Strikers live off goals and confidence and players in general live off confidence,” he added.

“When they are full of confidence they can achieve results that they don’t even think they’re capable of.

“For a striker in particular goals are their bread and butter and I think it was a kind of liberation for him.

“He was disappointed that he didn’t score the penalty against Manchester United and felt a little bit of responsibility.

“But he has made his contribution during this season and the fact he has had a few niggling injuries didn’t help him and got him a bit out of rhythm.

“We know what a great guy he is and even if he doesn’t score he works hard for the team and creates space and makes chances.”